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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Average_Joe on June 12, 2007, 08:26:12 PM

Title: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Average_Joe on June 12, 2007, 08:26:12 PM
Hey all, new to the forum here.
Just joined cause i wanted some info about the GS500F

Am looking at buyin one and just wanted to know how good are they?? Tossin up between a CBR250RR and a GS500F?? So what do you think, are they at all like a "sporty" bike?? How do they go, and will the set up my ridin style so once im on my blacks i can upgrade without any bad habits??
Just curious thanks!!!
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: ben2go on June 12, 2007, 08:28:16 PM
BUY THE GS!More powerful and more forgiving if you ride it to hard.Plus there's alot more easy mods and upgrades.  :thumb:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: genEricStL on June 12, 2007, 08:40:45 PM
You're on a forum where a large percentage of the population owns GS's , and the rest are ex-owners or just plain fans of the bike hehe

1 - they're basically bulletproof as far as the powertrain is concerned ... heck , the whole bike is pretty tough
2 - once you get rid of those pesky fairings , they're a good looking bike ... form follows function once the plastics are off (I know i'm pi$$ing some members off hehe ... search "Naked vs. Faired" topics lol ... fun fun !)
3 - they are great on gas
4 - you'd be hard pressed to find another bike anywhere near the price range that offers the handling (many people do suspension mods after a while once they want to start riding more aggressively ... stock suspensions are pretty soft , but EXCELLENT to learn on)
5 - they're actually quite quick when you get on them ... you can outrun the average car , and outrun most of the Harleys (my fave thing to do lol)
6 - this forum ... I've been on here for months and haven't even scratched the surface of the sheer amount of info on here . the people here have helped me personally with pretty much everything I've done to my 96 GS500E


There's a lot more than what i've listed , but #6 is what's kept me interested in my GS long after I thought i'd have moved on to a bigger bike  :thumb:

- Eric
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: manofthefield on June 12, 2007, 09:26:55 PM
To be honest, I (and most others here that are from the states) don't know the first thing about the CBR250RR, so I can't compare at all.  My guess is that the GS is lower tech, but that's not a bad thing... it means it's simpler to maintain and work on.  My other guess is that it has more of a standard riding position than the CBR, which is probably more sport oriented. 

The GS is definitely a good bike to cut your teeth on and is pretty forgiving, though not as forgiving as a 50 or 100cc bike.  If you master the GS, you shouldn't have any problem upgrading when you're ready
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Lukewarm Wilson on June 12, 2007, 09:47:41 PM
The CBR and GS make about the same power GS has more torque, CBR handles and brakes better but is now where near as comfy, parts are easier to get for a GS and anybody can fit a GS not so a CBR you will want to be short, GS is easier on the highway the CBR will send you mad by reving its nuts off. You never know the history of a CBR as they are bought out from Japan with no history, CBR deteriates very quickly pull off a side faring and look at the corrision already there. The little CBR's are a great small sportsbike but the GS is a great all round bike if I had the choice again I'd still go with the GS. Although I did get beaten by 2 of them up at my favourite road I could stay with them but if I tried anything more I think I would have gone down but we blew their friend away who was on a 999 Ducati (why spend so much money when you can only do so little).
Go the GS you will not be disappointed hope that helps :thumb: :cheers:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: ducati_nolan on June 12, 2007, 10:01:23 PM
Those of us here in the states don't have many of the 250 CBRs over here so we know very little about them.

I bet that if you are getting a bike only to take to the really tight twisties then the CBR would be great, but if you're going to take it on the highway or want to be able to throw some saddlebags on it and take a trip the GS is brobally a much better all arround bike.

A few upgrades will make the bike handle better
Springs for the forks will help dramaticly
Braided brake line and HH+ pads will help braking
Jets and a better filter help the power.
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Average_Joe on June 13, 2007, 12:58:56 AM
Well thanks for the info  :thumb:........ The bike i want to get ( dream bike ) is a GSXR1000 :icon_mrgreen: The only prob is here in aus your restricted for the first year of you licence...... So i wanted something that looks good ( cause i got to have it for a while...which is not a bad thing  8) ) and is gonna go well enough for me to learn so when i eventually get the gixxer i wont wrap it around a tree..... Thats why i like the CBR cause everyone here says there quick and really handle well..... looking at the GS it dosnt look "That" fast..... Appart from the gixxer's front light!!! :icon_twisted: :icon_mrgreen:
I really dont know though thats why im askin   :dunno_white:

I wont be touring anywhere just to and from work and a bit of fun here and there. Ive heard there really reliable and economical which is really good but to me i hear slow and boring??

Anyway this is why im asking??

I have one more question....... Will the bike wheelie or has one one done it on a GS?? Im not gona go out there straight away and try but eventually thats what id like to be able to do!!!

As for beating a 999 HOLY SH!T :thumb: :o
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: makenzie71 on June 13, 2007, 02:04:47 AM
all bikes wheelie.

the GS500 is simpler. It'll be easier to care for and it's simply cheaper.  Plus the bike's faster.

the cBR250 is plenty quick but cruising at 22,000rpm in second because third bods will get old.  I'd only get one for tight tracks/twisties...and i LOVE the odd-ball 250 and 400 sports.
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Average_Joe on June 13, 2007, 02:24:16 AM
Quoteall bikes wheelie

I know thats true........ sort of, but ill reask the question...
How EASILY does the gs wheelie???

Been looking around and there arnt that many for sale, would it be better to go new or second hand, or it dont matter? :dunno_white:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: makenzie71 on June 13, 2007, 02:36:55 AM
if you intend to keep the bike it's best to go used.  More bang for the buck.  if all you're is fulfilling your restricted criteria until you can get a bigger bike, buy new...not so much bang for the buck but more return when you sell it...if it's in like-new condition.

If you don't know what you're doing as far as keeping the bike, I suggest go with used.

you can power it up in second if you load the front and fall back.  you can clutch it up in first and second real easy.  A friend of mine picks his up ono the road in third but I'm clueless as to how he does it.  "I just...do it..." is his explanation.
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Average_Joe on June 13, 2007, 03:28:52 AM
Well ill be keeping it for a good part of 1.5 years at least...... I just wana upgrade to its bigger brother, thats why i like the GS so much!!  :thumb:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Average_Joe on June 13, 2007, 04:57:31 AM
Did my own research, seems they go alright!! :thumb: :icon_twisted:

http://www.youtube.com/v/-C0vv3E9au8

And yes he is ridin in a garden :dunno_white: Aparently the rider is too young for the road.... :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Bulwark on June 13, 2007, 05:37:31 AM
Ahh, Command and Conquer PC game music FTW!
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Average_Joe on June 13, 2007, 04:33:52 PM
Yeah Red Alert i noticed that lol  :dunno_white: This is how the GS goes rite, cause im liking it!!!  :icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen: :thumb:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: 97dime on June 13, 2007, 05:10:31 PM
gs500 is an easy bike to learn on.  i've had mine for about 2 months and put about 1100 miles on it.  i ride with a couple gsxr600's and a 1000 and a zx6r.  won't keep with them on the straights but i can in the corners.  they hate it.  great first bike. glad i went with it.  gets 50+ mpg no matter how hard i am on it.  will do a wheelie.  did one a week ago completely by accident.  if you get one you won't be sorry
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: debtman7 on June 13, 2007, 05:59:00 PM
Quote from: makenzie71 on June 13, 2007, 02:36:55 AM
if you intend to keep the bike it's best to go used.  More bang for the buck.  if all you're is fulfilling your restricted criteria until you can get a bigger bike, buy new...not so much bang for the buck but more return when you sell it...if it's in like-new condition.

More return when you resell a bike you bought new? A 2000 GS500 you pay $2,000 for will be worth say $1700 - $1800 a few years later. You lose $200 - $300. A brand new GS500 you pay $5200 for will be worth $2500 - $3000 in a few years. You lose $2,200 - $2,700. Not sure how you're figuring on the return, the GS depricates really quickly. I'd even go further and say they're almost not worth buying new since there are some much nicer bikes available within $1,000 of it. Unfortunately those bikes aren't so newbie friendly so it's a moot point. But I'd have to say if you really want to buy a new bike that's new rider friendly, your best bet is a 250 like the ninja. Even buying them new you won't lose more than $800 or so selling it in a few years.
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Dober on June 13, 2007, 06:05:20 PM
I bought my 06 GS500F in december 06 for $5300 Canadian.  The dealerships were charging around 6k.  Ive been riding for a couple months now and it's been great to learn on and when I was in for service a little while ago, I asked the dealer what I could get on a trade in.  He would basically give me what I paid for it because he thought I paid them 6000.

Most used bikes seem to hold their value pretty well, maybe the supersports more so than others but up here the price doesnt drop very much.
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: makenzie71 on June 13, 2007, 06:41:38 PM
Quote from: debtman7 on June 13, 2007, 05:59:00 PM
More return when you resell a bike you bought new? A 2000 GS500 you pay $2,000 for will be worth say $1700 - $1800 a few years later. You lose $200 - $300. A brand new GS500 you pay $5200 for will be worth $2500 - $3000 in a few years. You lose $2,200 - $2,700.

yeah like you said it'll lose a couple grand in a few years...but not in a season, like i said.  season old new bikes will sell just under msrp if they're in showroom shape.
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Unnamed on June 13, 2007, 09:23:41 PM
Dude, these guys are all just f%$king with you and won't tell you the truth because they feel like idiots for buying a gs in the first place. The gs sucks, it's only for girls and old men and 12 year olds and f%$king illegal immigrants. Don't believe what they say, they all hate the gs and wish they'd never bought one but now its too late but I can save you just listen to me and not to them you can't trust them.
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: TenStrip on June 14, 2007, 12:20:46 AM
This bike is the best learners bike out there.  I had a Kaw 250 not long ago, but I outgrew it in a few months.  The 500 is enough to kill yourself on if that is what you are wanting to do.  If you are just wanting to learn how to ride, then this is the bike for you.  Do not expect the bike to pop out of the box and go 150mph, however it will break 100+ mph in no time.  And just wondering if your restrictions say anything about mods??? 


BTW....It will pop a wheelie no problem. 
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Average_Joe on June 14, 2007, 02:00:16 AM
Na i just want a good bike that i can eventually go quick on AFTER ive got a handle on it...... I dont want a slow bike cause i know ill get bored after a while lol

I checked the stunt bike forum in Aus, cause i really want a bike that will wheelie and stuff easily and they said it would be a good bike to get for that purpose.. :thumb:
As for mods..... Whatever i want lol :icon_lol: There are no restrictions on mods as far as i know or have read about we just have a list of Approved bikes and if your bikes one of those noone really cares whats in the engine so its all good :icon_twisted:

For example the Hyosung GT650R comes in a restricted version (GT650RL which has carb slide restrictors making it 39hp at the wheels)  so all you gotta do is change the carb slides and your bike is a full unrestricted 70hp 650!!!!

Why do you ask is there a lot i can do to the GS??? :dunno_white:

QuoteDude, these guys are all just f%$king with you and won't tell you the truth because they feel like idiots for buying a gs in the first place. The gs sucks, it's only for girls and old men and 12 year olds and f%$king illegal immigrants. Don't believe what they say, they all hate the gs and wish they'd never bought one but now its too late but I can save you just listen to me and not to them you can't trust them.

and which bike should i get then??? RSV1000r maybe??? I CANT lol restricted
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Jay_wolf on June 14, 2007, 02:09:24 AM
In the uk , if u get seen wheeling by a policeman im pretty sure they take your bike off u , considering u sound like u never have riden a bike before , means , u get on a Cbr or something your gonna kill yourself , learn how to ride , then consider getting a bigger biker , like they say , buy a old one , that u can afford to drop , then learn , and sell it later on , how would u feel if u bought a brand new Gsxr , LEt alone a brand new GS  , and dropping it because uve seen someone wheelie  , and u tryed , it

Just my thoughts on that
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: philward on June 14, 2007, 02:47:32 AM
Quote from: Average_Joe on June 14, 2007, 02:00:16 AMFor example the Hyosung GT650R comes in a restricted version (GT650RL which has carb slide restrictors making it 39hp at the wheels)  so all you gotta do is change the carb slides and your bike is a full unrestricted 70hp 650!!!!

A mate and I were in the same position as you not so long ago and he decided to do just that, buy the GT650RL for the reasons you mentioned.  I went for the GS.  Now looking back at it, I think his choice was a false economy.  Let me explain...

The Hyo new after on-road costs ended up just shy of $11k aussie.  In it's restricted form, I would have thought it would be tuned to just scrape under the 150kW/T limit - but strangely it doesn't, its well below that limit (around 100 when you factor in the 90kg rider).  So when it's restricted you're really missing a lot of performance for that first year.

The GS on the other hand just comes in at the high 140's and is significantly sportier than the restricted Hyo.  Also I picked up a late '05 for a tad over $5k - most of which will come back when it's sold.  The new Hyo on the other hand has already lost quite a bit of cash after it rolled out of the dealer.

My advice is to buy second hand for that first bike (there are loads of secondhanders out there that are only a year or two old, yet very affordable) and it will hold its value well if and when you decide to trade to that beefier bike.  The GS is great for this - it's popular (easy to buy and sell), it's sporty (when compared to other learner-legal options), and it's forgiving (not the end of the world if you prang it).
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: galahs on June 14, 2007, 02:59:35 AM
Yep I can confirm, the GS has much more low down grunt than the CBR250 but the CBR has a slightly higher top speed.

The GS is much easier to work on. Only requires two spark plugs not 4. Is air cooled so doesn't have a radiator and the fuss of requiring coolant changes. Isn't fussed by standard grade pump fuel.

The GS will cruise at 5,000rpm where the CBR is at 10,000. At highway speeds it feels like your ringing a CBR's neck, but the GS is just motoring along.

The GS seating position is much more comfortable for long hauls.

The CBR 250 RR especially has better brakes and handles much more tightly. But the GS500 is still very capable especially for its size.

Personally I'd go the GS!!!
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Average_Joe on June 14, 2007, 03:23:11 AM
QuoteIn the uk , if u get seen wheeling by a policeman im pretty sure they take your bike off u , considering u sound like u never have riden a bike before , means , u get on a Cbr or something your gonna kill yourself , learn how to ride , then consider getting a bigger biker , like they say , buy a old one , that u can afford to drop , then learn , and sell it later on , how would u feel if u bought a brand new Gsxr , LEt alone a brand new GS  , and dropping it because uve seen someone wheelie  , and u tryed , it

Just wanted to let everyone know, im not really that crazy...... I have riden dirt bikes all my life but nver road bikes..... I DONT want a 1000 as my first bike  :nono: i want like a good alrounder that is easy to learn on but after i get used to it also got a bit of go so i dont get bored...

Here in Aus we have stunt weekend JUST for wheelies and such so ppl dont take that stuff to the roads...... thats y im asking about the wheelie stuff thats what i want to aspire to do......

I dont know if im going down the new or used road yet but what ever i do itll have a cage or fairing protectors fairly quickly..... just gotta work out what would be better for resale and such....

As for the hyosung...... i spent months in that forum thinking that was the bike i was gonna get.... :icon_rolleyes: :nono:
Well for exanple;
1. if i was to buy an 05 model of the hyosung there a huge chance of it seizing... MAJOR RECALLS!!!
2. I would have to derestrict it to get anything worth wile out of it
3. they rattle and they rattle and they also rattle..... did i mention they rattle....
4. You have a cheap rip off of a suzuki.... korean made, stolen part from suzuki
5. parts are expensive
6. if you wheelie it there is not enought oil pressure and the engine seizes
7. They have an emissions thing that we dont need in Aus which cases backfiring while deccelarating
8. onroad it costs $10,200
9. insurances is high
10. dealer and hyosung warranty is a bit up in the air  :dunno_white:  maybe youll get warranty maybe you wont?? And on what??
11. the odometer rattles and RESETS its self!!!!! Back to 0 or high up in like 290000KM's!!!!
12. they look sh!t without any sort of tinted screen
13. there is VERY LITTLE Hyosung merchandise let alone parst, service etc
14. At the end of the day after all that all you got is a cheap korean bike that looks ok???

There im done..... :thumb:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Jay_wolf on June 14, 2007, 03:45:57 AM
So its a gs then . id recommend a Naked..

better looks ,
No expensive plastics to break

did i mention it looks a million times better?

Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Average_Joe on June 14, 2007, 04:07:29 AM
Yeah thats what i was thinking lol  :cheers:

Everone says i should get a naked but i really cant get over the look of them...... I just love the sport bike look of the full fairings!!!

Thats why i want crash protectors lol....... fairings make the bike look so much more....... better :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: galahs on June 14, 2007, 04:56:59 AM
Agree I prefer the faired version too!  :thumb:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: bosozoku on June 14, 2007, 06:37:13 AM
Quote from: Average_Joe on June 14, 2007, 02:00:16 AM
For example the Hyosung GT650R comes in a restricted version (GT650RL which has carb slide restrictors making it 39hp at the wheels)  so all you gotta do is change the carb slides and your bike is a full unrestricted 70hp 650!!!!

As an aside, do NOT buy a Hyosung 650, especially used.  Several people that I know have had problems with dropped valves and motor failures.  They're a cheap copy of an SV650 and it shows.

-b.
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: nightrider on June 14, 2007, 08:56:29 AM
as my first bike with 10,000 miles on it now, it's exceeded my expectations. Great first bike and no reason to sell it yet.  :cheers:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Jay_wolf on June 14, 2007, 11:51:22 AM
Quote from: Average_Joe on June 14, 2007, 04:07:29 AM
Yeah thats what i was thinking lol  :cheers:

Everone says i should get a naked but i really cant get over the look of them...... I just love the sport bike look of the full fairings!!!

Thats why i want crash protectors lol....... fairings make the bike look so much more....... better :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:

Its not a sports bike tho , and naked all the way !
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: VTNewb on June 14, 2007, 12:59:21 PM
I started on a 1977 Suzuki GS400 that I got for almost nothing. It I stood on the passanger pegs I could get that thing to stand up on one wheel no problem, it's just a matter of finesse with clutch and rear brake when you deal with bikes that don't power wheelie (easily).

If you're going to go to some tarmack to learn to stunt, get a bike that looks like shaZam!. After that first couple hours of failing to wheelie it'll look like shaZam! anyway, why ruin a good bike?
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: genEricStL on June 14, 2007, 02:54:36 PM
See , i told ya the forums here were the best hehe  :thumb:
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: Unnamed on June 14, 2007, 09:19:24 PM
I'm so much happier learning on the GS than anything more powerful. I know that if I rev too high and pop the clutch I won't 12 o'clock it, if I grab too much brake I won't endo it, and if I give it full throttle from a stop it won't power wheelie then throw me when the front isn't straight on landing. It's a nice little beginner bike. Actually makes me wish I had started smaller (still have wet dreams about an Aprilia RS50).
Title: Re: How good is the GS500F
Post by: zephler on June 14, 2007, 09:33:44 PM
as a learner the GS seems a great bike, got mine (link to pics in signature) about a month back, thought it was a bit slow during the run in period with crappy acceleration (I brought new) however now that 1600km are up and I can rev it out (not limited to 5,500 rpm) and WOT it, it has become a differnet beast altogether  :laugh:  :thumb: great fun  :icon_razz:

on yeah  :thumb: on the "F" model, naked is nice too.....  but it depends on want you want the bike for IMHO....  :cheers: